Installation
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certificate in Data Center Cooling Systems course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Absolute Humidity refers to the total amount of water vapor present in a given v… #
Related terms include Relative Humidity and Specific Humidity.
AC Power is the type of electric power commonly used in homes and businesses, ch… #
AC Power is the type of electric power commonly used in homes and businesses, characterized by a periodic reversal of polarity, it is used to power data center equipment such as servers, storage systems, and networking gear, and is typically supplied by the utility grid or generated on-site.
Adiabatic Cooling is a type of cooling system that uses the principle of evap… #
Adiabatic Cooling is a type of cooling system that uses the principle of evaporative cooling to reduce the temperature of the air, it works by spraying water into the air stream, which evaporates and cools the air, this method is often used in high-density data centers where traditional air conditioning systems are not efficient.
Air Conditioning is a system or process used to control the temperature a… #
Air Conditioning is a system or process used to control the temperature and humidity of the air in a data center, it is typically used to maintain a cool and stable environment for the equipment, and can be achieved through various methods including mechanical cooling, evaporative cooling, and free cooling.
Air Flow is the movement of air through a data center or other enclosed s… #
Air Flow is the movement of air through a data center or other enclosed space, it is an important factor in cooling system design as it affects the distribution of cool air to the equipment and the removal of heat, air flow can be measured in terms of velocity, volume, and pressure.
Air Side Economization is a type of free cooling that uses the cool outsi… #
Air Side Economization is a type of free cooling that uses the cool outside air to cool the data center instead of using mechanical cooling systems, it works by drawing in the cool outside air and using it to cool the equipment, this method is often used in data centers located in cool or cold climates.
ASHRAE is the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air #
Conditioning Engineers, it is a professional organization that sets standards and guidelines for the design and operation of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems, including those used in data centers.
ASHRAE Thermal Guidelines are a set of guidelines published by ASHRAE that provi… #
ASHRAE Thermal Guidelines are a set of guidelines published by ASHRAE that provide recommendations for the temperature and humidity ranges for data centers, the guidelines are intended to help data center operators maintain a safe and efficient operating environment for their equipment.
Availability is a measure of the degree to which a data center or other s… #
Availability is a measure of the degree to which a data center or other system is operational and accessible when needed, it is often expressed as a percentage of uptime, and is an important factor in data center design and operation as it affects the ability of the data center to deliver services to users.
Backup Power is a system or process used to provide power to a data ce… #
Backup Power is a system or process used to provide power to a data center in the event of a failure of the primary power source, it is typically used to ensure continuity of operations and to prevent downtime, backup power can be provided through various means including generators, batteries, and UPS systems.
Battery Backup is a type of backup power system that uses batteries to st… #
Battery Backup is a type of backup power system that uses batteries to store energy, it is typically used to provide power to a data center in the event of a failure of the primary power source, battery backup systems can provide power for a short period of time, typically up to 30 minutes.
BTU is the British Thermal Unit, it is a unit of measurement for energy ,… #
BTU is the British Thermal Unit, it is a unit of measurement for energy, particularly heat energy, it is often used to express the cooling capacity of a cooling system, and is an important factor in data center design as it affects the cooling requirements of the equipment.
Capacity Planning is the process of determining the capacity requirements… #
The ability of the data center to deliver services to users.
Carbon Footprint is a measure of the amount of greenhouse gas emissions p… #
Carbon Footprint is a measure of the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by a data center or other system, it is often expressed in terms of carbon dioxide equivalent, and is an important factor in data center design and operation as it affects the environmental impact of the data center.
Cascade Cooling is a type of cooling system that uses a series of cooling stages… #
Cascade Cooling is a type of cooling system that uses a series of cooling stages to cool the air, it works by using a coolant to cool the air, which is then cooled further by a second stage, and so on, cascade cooling systems are often used in high-density data centers where traditional air conditioning systems are not efficient.
Chiller is a type of cooling system that uses a coolant to cool the air o… #
Chiller is a type of cooling system that uses a coolant to cool the air or water, it is typically used to cool the water or glycol used in a cooling system, chillers can be mechanical or absorption-based, and are often used in data centers to provide cooling for the equipment.
Climatization is the process of controlling the temperature and humidi… #
Climatization is the process of controlling the temperature and humidity of the air in a data center or other enclosed space, it is typically used to maintain a cool and stable environment for the equipment, and can be achieved through various methods including mechanical cooling, evaporative cooling, and free cooling.
Cloud Computing is a model of delivering computing services over the internet… #
Cloud Computing is a model of delivering computing services over the internet, it allows users to access and use applications and data from anywhere, at any time, cloud computing is often used in data centers to provide scalable and on-demand access to computing resources.
Cogeneration is the process of generating both electricity and heat</i… #
Cogeneration is the process of generating both electricity and heat from a single fuel source, it is often used in data centers to provide power and heat for the equipment, cogeneration systems can be more efficient than traditional power generation systems.
Cold Aisle is a type of cooling system that uses a containment system to… #
Cold Aisle is a type of cooling system that uses a containment system to separate the cold air from the hot air in a data center, it works by using a barrier to prevent the hot air from mixing with the cold air, cold aisle systems are often used in high-density data centers where traditional air conditioning systems are not efficient.
Cold Plate is a type of cooling system that uses a plate to cool the air… #
Cold Plate is a type of cooling system that uses a plate to cool the air or water, it is typically used to cool the equipment in a data center, cold plates can be liquid-cooled or air-cooled, and are often used in high-density data centers where traditional air conditioning systems are not efficient.
Commissioning is the process of testing and verifying that a data center … #
Commissioning is the process of testing and verifying that a data center or other system is functioning as intended, it involves checking the performance of the systems and equipment, and making any necessary adjustments to ensure that the data center is operating efficiently and effectively.
Computer Room Air Conditioning (CRAC) is a type of cooling system that is design… #
Computer Room Air Conditioning (CRAC) is a type of cooling system that is designed specifically for use in data centers and other computer rooms, it is typically used to cool the equipment in the data center, CRAC systems can be mechanical or evaporative-based, and are often used in data centers to provide cooling for the equipment.
Condenser is a type of cooling system that uses a coolant to cool the air… #
Condenser is a type of cooling system that uses a coolant to cool the air or water, it is typically used to cool the water or glycol used in a cooling system, condensers can be air-cooled or water-cooled, and are often used in data centers to provide cooling for the equipment.
Containment System is a type of cooling system that uses a barrier to sep… #
Containment System is a type of cooling system that uses a barrier to separate the cold air from the hot air in a data center, it works by using a barrier to prevent the hot air from mixing with the cold air, containment systems are often used in high-density data centers where traditional air conditioning systems are not efficient.
Cooling Capacity is a measure of the ability of a cooling system to cool the air… #
Cooling Capacity is a measure of the ability of a cooling system to cool the air or water, it is often expressed in terms of tons of cooling, and is an important factor in data center design as it affects the cooling requirements of the equipment.
Cooling Tower is a type of cooling system that uses evaporative cooling t… #
Cooling Tower is a type of cooling system that uses evaporative cooling to cool the water or glycol used in a cooling system, it works by spraying water into the air stream, which evaporates and cools the water, cooling towers are often used in data centers to provide cooling for the equipment.
Data Center is a facility used to house computer systems and associated componen… #
Data Center is a facility used to house computer systems and associated components, such as servers, storage systems, and networking gear, it is typically used to provide data processing, storage, and communications services to users.
Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) is a type of software that is used… #
Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) is a type of software that is used to manage and monitor the infrastructure and resources of a data center, it is typically used to track the performance of the systems and equipment, and to identify areas for improvement.
DC Power is the type of electric power commonly used in electronic devices, char… #
DC Power is the type of electric power commonly used in electronic devices, characterized by a constant voltage and current, it is used to power data center equipment such as servers, storage systems, and networking gear, and is typically supplied by a power supply or battery backup system.
Dehumidification is the process of removing moisture from the air, it is… #
Dehumidification is the process of removing moisture from the air, it is typically used to control the humidity levels in a data center or other enclosed space, and can be achieved through various methods including mechanical cooling, evaporative cooling, and desiccant systems.
Desiccant Cooling is a type of cooling system that uses a desiccant mater… #
Desiccant Cooling is a type of cooling system that uses a desiccant material to remove moisture from the air, it works by using a desiccant material to absorb the moisture from the air, which is then cooled and re-circulated, desiccant cooling systems are often used in high-density data centers where traditional air conditioning systems are not efficient.
Direct Expansion (DX) Cooling is a type of cooling system that uses a refrige… #
Direct Expansion (DX) Cooling is a type of cooling system that uses a refrigerant to cool the air or water, it works by using a refrigerant to absorb the heat from the air or water, which is then cooled and re-circulated, DX cooling systems are often used in data centers to provide cooling for the equipment.
Disaster Recovery is the process of recovering from a disaster or other <… #
Disaster Recovery is the process of recovering from a disaster or other outage that affects the operation of a data center or other system, it involves restoring the systems and equipment to a functional state, and ensuring that the data center is able to deliver services to users.
Downtime is a period of time when a data center or other system is not op… #
Downtime is a period of time when a data center or other system is not operational or accessible, it is often caused by a failure of the power or cooling systems, or other technical issues, downtime can have a significant impact on the ability of the data center to deliver services to users.
Efficiency is a measure of the ability of a system or process to achieve a desir… #
Efficiency is a measure of the ability of a system or process to achieve a desired outcome with a minimum of waste or inefficiency, it is often expressed as a ratio of output to input, and is an important factor in data center design and operation as it affects the cost and environmental impact of the data center.
Elasticity is the ability of a system or process to adapt to changing conditi… #
Elasticity is the ability of a system or process to adapt to changing conditions or demands, it is often used to describe the ability of a data center to scale up or down to meet changing workloads or demands.
Energy Efficiency is a measure of the ability of a system or process to achieve… #
Energy Efficiency is a measure of the ability of a system or process to achieve a desired outcome with a minimum of energy consumption, it is often expressed as a ratio of output to input, and is an important factor in data center design and operation as it affects the cost and environmental impact of the data center.
Evaporative Cooling is a type of cooling system that uses the evaporation … #
Evaporative Cooling is a type of cooling system that uses the evaporation of water to cool the air, it works by spraying water into the air stream, which evaporates and cools the air, evaporative cooling systems are often used in data centers to provide cooling for the equipment.
Failure is a technical issue or outage that affects the operation… #
Failure is a technical issue or outage that affects the operation of a data center or other system, it is often caused by a failure of the power or cooling systems, or other technical issues, failure can have a significant impact on the ability of the data center to deliver services to users.
Fan is a type of mechanical device used to move air or other gases … #
Fan is a type of mechanical device used to move air or other gases, it is typically used to provide cooling for the equipment in a data center, fans can be axial or centrifugal, and are often used in data centers to provide cooling for the equipment.
Floor Space is the amount of physical space available in a data center… #
Floor Space is the amount of physical space available in a data center for the installation of equipment, it is typically measured in terms of square feet or square meters, and is an important factor in data center design as it affects the capacity and scalability of the data center.
Free Cooling is a type of cooling system that uses the cool outside air t… #
Free Cooling is a type of cooling system that uses the cool outside air to cool the data center instead of using mechanical cooling systems, it works by drawing in the cool outside air and using it to cool the equipment, free cooling systems are often used in data centers located in cool or cold climates.
Generator is a type of electrical device used to generate electricity<… #
Generator is a type of electrical device used to generate electricity, it is typically used to provide backup power to a data center in the event of a failure of the primary power source, generators can be diesel or gas-powered, and are often used in data centers to provide backup power.
Heat Exchanger is a type of device used to transfer heat from one flui… #
Heat Exchanger is a type of device used to transfer heat from one fluid to another, it is typically used to cool the water or glycol used in a cooling system, heat exchangers can be plate-type or shell-and-tube, and are often used in data centers to provide cooling for the equipment.
Heat Gain is the amount of heat that is added to a data center or… #
Heat Gain is the amount of heat that is added to a data center or other enclosed space, it is typically caused by the operation of the equipment, and can be affected by factors such as the temperature and humidity of the air.
Heat Pipe is a type of device used to transfer heat from one location<… #
Heat Pipe is a type of device used to transfer heat from one location to another, it is typically used to cool the equipment in a data center, heat pipes can be sealed or open, and are often used in high-density data centers where traditional air conditioning systems are not efficient.
Heat Recovery is the process of capturing and reusing the heat that is ge… #
Heat Recovery is the process of capturing and reusing the heat that is generated by a data center or other system, it is typically used to provide heating for the data center or other buildings, and can be achieved through various methods including heat exchangers and heat pipes.
Heat Transfer is the process of transferring heat from one location</b… #
Heat Transfer is the process of transferring heat from one location to another, it is typically used to cool the equipment in a data center, heat transfer can be achieved through various methods including conduction, convection, and radiation.
High Density is a term used to describe a data center or other system tha… #
High Density is a term used to describe a data center or other system that has a high concentration of equipment or components, it is typically characterized by a high power density and heat load, and requires specialized cooling and power systems.
Humidity is a measure of the amount of moisture in the air, it is typical… #
Humidity is a measure of the amount of moisture in the air, it is typically expressed as a percentage of the maximum amount of moisture that can be held in the air at a given temperature, and is an important factor in data center design as it affects the cooling and heating requirements of the equipment.
Humidity Control is the process of controlling the humidity levels in a <… #
Humidity Control is the process of controlling the humidity levels in a data center or other enclosed space, it is typically used to maintain a stable and optimal environment for the equipment, and can be achieved through various methods including mechanical cooling, evaporative cooling, and desiccant systems.
Installation is the process of installing equipment or systems in… #
Installation is the process of installing equipment or systems in a data center, it involves connecting the equipment to the power and cooling systems, and ensuring that the equipment is properly configured and tested.
IT Equipment is a term used to describe the computers , servers , <b… #
IT Equipment is a term used to describe the computers, servers, storage systems, and networking gear that are used in a data center, it is typically used to process, store, and communicate data, and requires specialized cooling and power systems.
Latency is a measure of the time it takes for data to be transmitted from… #
Latency is a measure of the time it takes for data to be transmitted from one location to another, it is typically expressed in terms of milliseconds or seconds, and is an important factor in data center design as it affects the performance and responsiveness of the applications and services.
Liquid Cooling is a type of cooling system that uses a liquid coolant to… #
Liquid Cooling is a type of cooling system that uses a liquid coolant to cool the equipment in a data center, it works by circulating the liquid coolant through the equipment and absorbing the heat, liquid cooling systems are often used in high-density data centers where traditional air conditioning systems are not efficient.
Load Bank is a type of device used to test the performance of a power<… #
Load Bank is a type of device used to test the performance of a power system or generator, it is typically used to simulate the load that the power system or generator will experience in operation, and is an important factor in data center design as it affects the reliability and availability of the power system.
Load Distribution is the process of distributing the load or power … #
Load Distribution is the process of distributing the load or power requirements of a data center or other system, it is typically used to ensure that the power system or generator is able to meet the load requirements of the data center, and can be achieved through various methods including load balancing and power distribution units.
Maintainability is a measure of the ease with which a data center or othe… #
Maintainability is a measure of the ease with which a data center or other system can be maintained or repaired, it is typically expressed as a ratio of downtime to uptime, and is an important factor in data center design as it affects the reliability and availability of the data center.
Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) is a measure of the average time between fa… #
Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) is a measure of the average time between failures of a component or system, it is typically expressed in terms of hours or years, and is an important factor in data center design as it affects the reliability and availability of the data center.
Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) is a measure of the average time it takes to repai… #
Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) is a measure of the average time it takes to repair or replace a component or system, it is typically expressed in terms of hours or minutes, and is an important factor in data center design as it affects the reliability and availability of the data center.
Modular Design is a type of design that uses modular components or sys… #
Modular Design is a type of design that uses modular components or systems to build a data center or other system, it is typically used to provide flexibility and scalability in the design and operation of the data center, and can be achieved through various methods including modular containers and prefabricated modules.
Network is a term used to describe the communications infrastructure that… #
Network is a term used to describe the communications infrastructure that connects the equipment in a data center to the internet or other networks, it is typically used to provide connectivity and communication services to users, and requires specialized networking gear and cabling.
Operation is the process of managing and maintaining a data center or oth… #
Operation is the process of managing and maintaining a data center or other system, it involves monitoring the performance of the systems and equipment, and making any necessary adjustments to ensure that the data center is operating efficiently and effectively.
Outdoor Air is the air that is drawn into a data center from the outside,… #
Outdoor Air is the air that is drawn into a data center from the outside, it is typically used to provide cooling for the equipment in the data center, and can be achieved through various methods including air side economization and water side economization.
Overhead Cooling is a type of cooling system that uses overhead ducts or… #
Overhead Cooling is a type of cooling system that uses overhead ducts or diffusers to distribute the cool air to the equipment in a data center, it is typically used to provide cooling for the equipment in a data center, and can be achieved through various methods including ducted systems and ductless systems.
Partial Load is a term used to describe the load or power requirem… #
Partial Load is a term used to describe the load or power requirements of a data center or other system when it is not operating at full capacity, it is typically used to describe the load requirements of a data center during periods of low usage or demand.
Power Density is a measure of the amount of power required by a data c… #
Power Density is a measure of the amount of power required by a data center or other system per unit of floor space, it is typically expressed in terms of watts per square foot or kilowatts per square meter, and is an important factor in data center design as it affects the cooling and power requirements of the data center.
Power Distribution Unit (PDU) is a type of device used to distribute power</b… #
Power Distribution Unit (PDU) is a type of device used to distribute power to the equipment in a data center, it is typically used to provide power to the servers, storage systems, and networking gear, and can be achieved through various methods including rack-mounted PDUs and floor-mounted PDUs.
Power Factor is a measure of the efficiency of a power system or <… #
Power Factor is a measure of the efficiency of a power system or load, it is typically expressed as a ratio of real power to apparent power, and is an important factor in data center design as it affects the power requirements and efficiency of the data center.
Power Quality is a measure of the quality of the power supplied to… #
Power Quality is a measure of the quality of the power supplied to a data center or other system, it is typically expressed in terms of voltage, current, and frequency, and is an important factor in data center design as it affects the reliability and availability of the data center.
Power Supply is a type of device used to convert AC power to DC po… #
Power Supply is a type of device used to convert AC power to DC power, it is typically used to provide power to the equipment in a data center, and can be achieved through various methods including linear power supplies and switching power supplies.
Precision Cooling is a type of cooling system that is designed to provide pre… #
Precision Cooling is a type of cooling system that is designed to provide precise control over the temperature and humidity levels in a data center, it is typically used to provide cooling for the equipment in a data center, and can be achieved through various methods including air side economization and water side economization.
Rack is a type of enclosure used to house equipment in a data c… #
Rack is a type of enclosure used to house equipment in a data center, it is typically used to provide a secure and organized environment for the equipment, and can be achieved through various methods including standard racks and custom racks.
Rack #
Mounted is a term used to describe equipment that is mounted in a rack, it is typically used to provide a secure and organized environment for the equipment, and can be achieved through various methods including standard racks and custom racks.
Refrigerant is a type of fluid used in a cooling system to absorb and tra… #
Refrigerant is a type of fluid used in a cooling system to absorb and transfer heat, it is typically used in mechanical cooling systems, and can be achieved through various methods including vapor compression and absorption systems.
Reliability is a measure of the ability of a data center or other system… #
Reliability is a measure of the ability of a data center or other system to operate without failure or downtime, it is typically expressed as a percentage of uptime, and is an important factor in data center design as it affects the availability and reliability of the data center.
Scalability is a measure of the ability of a data center or other system… #
Scalability is a measure of the ability of a data center or other system to adapt to changing conditions or demands, it is typically expressed as a ratio of capacity to demand, and is an important factor in data center design as it affects the flexibility and expandability of the data center.
Security is a measure of the ability of a data center or other system to… #
Security is a measure of the ability of a data center or other system to protect against unauthorized access or malicious activity, it is typically expressed as a level of protection, and is an important factor in data center design as it affects the integrity and availability of the data center.
Server is a type of computer used to provide data processing, s… #
Server is a type of computer used to provide data processing, storage, and communications services to users, it is typically used in a data center to provide services to users, and requires specialized cooling and power systems.
Server Room is a term used to describe a room or area that is dedi… #
Server Room is a term used to describe a room or area that is dedicated to housing servers and other equipment in a data center, it is typically used to provide a secure and organized environment for the equipment, and can be achieved through various methods including standard server rooms and custom server rooms.
Site Selection is the process of selecting a location for a data cente… #
Site Selection is the process of selecting a location for a data center or other system, it involves evaluating the site for its availability, accessibility, and environmental factors, and is an important factor in data center design as it affects the cost and feasibility of the data center.